Scotland-based photonics consortium to develop an integrated photonic package with a step-change reduction in component size

PowerPhotonic, Fraunhofer UK, Optoscribe and Optocap announced today that they have been awarded an Innovate UK grant to develop novel optics for miniaturised RGB laser sources, as part of the £900,000 project.

The co-funding will be used to develop and demonstrate an innovative integrated photonic package for RGB laser sources with a step-change reduction in component size versus the current state-of-the-art. The consortium includes project lead, Optocap, an optical component integration and packaging company; PowerPhotonic, an SME specialising in optical surface formation using unique wafer scale laser micromachining and Optoscribe, a company using ultrafast lasers to form structures and waveguides in glass. The fourth partner, research and technology organisation Fraunhofer UK, will develop the waveguide writing process and build the project demonstrator.

A panel of experts at Innovate UK, the UK’s innovation agency, awarded the grant, judging the consortium’s application as a compelling business case for miniaturised RGB sources, a concept that is technically novel, and has genuine potential to advance the state of the art and contribute to the UK's position as a world leader in this technology.

Dr Matthew Currie, Applications Engineering Managing at PowerPhotonic, said: “We are delighted that the Miniaturised RGB Laser Source project has been awarded an Innovate UK grant. This technology has many applications and will potentially open-up a large number of break though opportunities in future display, augmented reality, optical communications and medical applications. The consortium is well placed to deliver the project's outputs and take the technology towards commercial exploitation.”

Dr Henry Bookey, Theme Leader at Fraunhofer CAP, said: “We are excited to be working in this unique consortium. It is another that demonstrates the depth of the photonics industry in Scotland. The project is a great fit for Fraunhofer CAP - a demonstration of an enabling photonic technology and covers a range of activities from laser manufacturing to device demonstration."

Garrie Vickers, Hi-Rel & Space Applications Programme Manager at Optocap said: “We are delighted that Innovate UK has awarded this grant to the Miniaturised RGB laser source project. This is an exciting opportunity to build on our experience in developing miniaturised compact RGB sources for use in next-generation applications such as Augmented Reality, displays, communication systems and medical applications. Optocap looks forward to working with the consortium to develop this exciting technology.”

Optoscribe’s CEO, Dr Nick Psaila said “We are delighted to be part of this Innovate UK funded project. The Consortium brings together a broad range of expertise in what is a very exciting area.”